Recalling Jesus’ birth in a stable in Bethlehem during a Christmas Eve homily, Pope Francis said that “the clash of arms even today” prevents Jesus “from finding room in the world”.
The pontiff presided over Sunday’s evening Mass, which was attended by about 6,500 faithful who took their place amid the splendour of St Peter’s Basilica behind rows of white-clad prelates.
“Our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war, ” the pope said, referring to the war sparked by Hamas’ deadly October 7 rampage and hostage-taking in Israel.
Francis, draped in white robes, led the Mass standing at the foot of one of St Peter’s grand columns.
Recalling that Jesus was born during a census meant to reinforce King David’s power, Francis warned against “the quest for worldly power and might, fame and glory, which measures everything in terms of success, results, numbers and figures, a world obsessed with achievement”.
By contrast, Jesus entered the world humbly, taking human flesh.
“Here, we see not a god of wrath and chastisement, but the God of mercy, who takes flesh and enters the world in weakness,” the pope said.
A pagan deity is linked to “power, worldly success and idolatry of consumerism,” the pope said.
When the Christmas Eve Mass ended, the pope, who was pushed in a wheelchair, moved down the basilica with the life-sized statue of Baby Jesus on his lap and flanked by children carrying bouquets.
The statue was placed in a manger in a nativity scene in the basilica.
Francis, 87, has been using a wheelchair to navigate long distances due to a painful knee ligament and a cane for shorter distances.
During the traditional Angelus blessing overlooking St Peter’s Square at midday, the pontiff remembered those suffering from war, recalling specific fighting in Ukraine and Israel’s bombardment and siege of the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas’ attack.
“May the God who took a human heart for himself infuse humanity into the hearts of men,” he added.
Speaking from the window of his studio to the thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square for the Angelus prayer, the pontiff also invited the faithful “not to confuse celebration with consumerism”.
He said: “One can and, as a Christian, must celebrate in simplicity without waste and by sharing with those who lack necessities or lack companionship.”
The speech, known in Latin as “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and to the world), is traditionally an occasion to review crises including war, persecution and hunger, in many parts of the globe.
